One of the oldest and most successful franchises in the National Football League (NFL), the Green Bay Packers have a global fan base — outside Wisconsin or even the United States. The Packers are a small market team from Green Bay, Wisconsin, with a large following overseas.
International fans are drawn to the team for various reasons: Brett Favre, Aaron Rodgers, the legendary Packers’ players, the Packers’ rich history, unique community-owned structure, and the iconic green and gold uniforms. And yet how, with a team playing thousands of miles, is it possible for these fans to remain connected?
In this article, we look at how international Green Bay Packers fans engage in virtual and real-life ways, from staying digitally connected to fan clubs and events to the challenges of supporting an American football team far from home.
International Fan Clubs and Communities
The fan clubs and online communities through which international fans are connected make another way the Packers stay connected with fans around the world. Official fan clubs and grassroots groups exist in countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia and Mexico, and the Packers have an incredible global following.
These clubs also do a lot for the community. They foster a friendly community among fans and organize meetups, game-watching parties, and many other events where fans can meet. Some of the fans also shared similar interests in casinos that offer a collection of the best slots.
UK Packers
The UK Packers hold watch parties and other programs, as well as trips to Lambeau Field, making them one of the largest international fan clubs. With their organized tours to Wisconsin, fans from all over the pond can travel to games in person, meet other fans, and experience the Packers’ culture firsthand from Milwaukee’s south side.
German Cheeseheads
A lot of Packers fans live in Germany. But gatherings for key matchups, the "German Cheeseheads" group organizes events during NFL London games. Besides, they also have active social media pages to which fans can express their love for the team.
Mexican and Latin American Fan Base
Packers fans are also found in Mexico and Latin America. They gather at local sports bars to watch games, or young Silicon Valley types with jobs that don’t require their attention for more than a few moments a day, pair up on their desktops during game breaks. Ironically, the loudest NFL watch parties outside the U.S. are actually in Mexico City.
The Role of Social Media and Digital Platforms
Social media and digital platforms are among the best ways for international Packers fans to stay connected. The internet makes following the Packers anywhere in the world much easier and more interactive. Today, fans don’t have to rely on printed news reports or television broadcasts but have a variety of platforms with which to get up-to-the-minute news, statistics, interviews, and game highlights.
Twitter (Now X)
Twitter (now X) allows many international fans to follow live updates from games, check real-time statistics, and discuss with fellow fans. Several beat reporters, sports analysts, and fans take to the official Packers account and live tweet games with insightful play-by-play.
Instagram and Facebook
Packers fans around the world follow the team’s official Instagram and Facebook accounts for more visual content. Behind-the-scenes looks, highlight reels, and engaging stories so that the fans can feel like they’re closer to the team. Fans are given the opportunity, according to it, to participate in fan polls, comment on posts, and even fan groups and join them which will form events and gatherings in different nations.
YouTube and Podcasts
Avid consumers of YouTube content and podcasts about the team, Packers fans are also about it. "Pack-A-Day" or "Cheesehead TV" shows provide in-depth analysis of games, off-season moves and other relevant materials. For the fans who do not have NFL Network or ESPN, these are a good source of news.
NFL Game Pass and Streaming Services
As an international Packers fan, it is very hard to watch the games live. That is, however, until streaming services and the NFL Game Pass came into being. Thanks to NFL Game Pass, fans of the NFL can watch every single live game or on demand from anywhere in the world. But for Packers fans in Europe, Asia, Africa, and many other parts of the world, this has been a game-changer.
NFL Game Pass
This service includes live games, full game replays, condensed versions, and a classic library of Packers games. Fans can also access interviews, press conferences, and behind-the-scenes footage to learn more about the event rather than just watching it on their couch. For people who live in countries where the local network does not air NFL games often, NFL Game Pass is a must.
Other Streaming Platforms
However, platforms like DAZN, Sky Sports (in the UK), and Amazon Prime, broadcast NFL games, too, so fans have an alternative in which to watch the game. Streaming has also let fans all over the world watch exactly the same thing that people at home get to watch.
Challenges for International Packers Fans
Being a Packers fan from outside the United States comes with a few unique challenges not faced by fans in Wisconsin, specifically the time difference, lack of access to local broadcasts, and general language issues.
Time Zone Differences
Live Packers games often force fans in Europe, Africa, and Asia to stay awake late or get up early. Say, for example, a noon game in Green Bay would start at 7 p.m. in London, 8 p.m. in Berlin, and as late as 2 a.m. in Japan. But Monday mornings are tough during the NFL season because dedicated fans often wake up before sunrise to catch every minute of every game.
Access to Merchandise
Fans internationally often struggle to purchase official Packers merchandise, which is no surprise. Internet orders are fine, but shipping fees and customs charges can get expensive. In some countries, it’s actually impossible to find Packers merchandise in stores, making it tough as far as visible support is concerned.
Cultural Differences
If you are a Packers fan, chances are you may not find another person who is also a fan of American football in your environment, where American football is not very popular. That can make the experience of being a fan feel somehow isolated. But thanks to the NFL's global popularity, the number of people outside the U.S. interested in the sport is actually growing and helping to change this.
Conclusion
The Green Bay Packers may be based in a small town in Wisconsin, but their global fan base is large and passionate. Thanks to social media, digital platforms, fan clubs, and NFL Game Pass, international Packers fans can stay connected with their team no matter where they are.